Mothers only want the best for their family. They prioritize their health and wellness no matter what. Every decision they make is geared towards ensuring that each member of the family is healthy, especially as the country moves forward in the new normal. But how does one know if they’re getting the right balance of nutrients – not over or undernourished – to meet their body’s needs?
In the Philippines, malnutrition continues to be of great concern. In line with Nutrition Month this July, Nestlé Philippines, the Kasambuhay sa Kalusugan ng Pamilyang Pilipino, reminds Filipino mothers about the importance of proper nutrition to raise a healthy and happy family.
The ‘under’ and ‘over’ in malnutrition
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), malnutrition refers to deficiencies, excesses or imbalances in a person’s intake of energy and nutrients. This can result to either undernutrition or overnutrition, which Filipinos need to pay more attention to.
The recent Expanded National Nutrition Survey (ENNS) 2018-2019 conducted by the Department of Science and Technology – Food and Nutrition Research Institute (DOST-FNRI) showed that one in four (24.9%) school aged children is stunted (low height for age). While the prevalence of underweight children among this age group significantly decreased from 31.2% in 2015 to 25.5% when the latest ENNS was conducted, the number of overweight children went up from 8.5% to 10.4% during the same period. What’s more, obesity was more common among children in urban areas. The ENNS further revealed a significant two-fold increase in the prevalence of overweight and obesity among adults since 1993 (16.6%) to 2018-19 (36.6%).
These numbers may sound alarming, but the choices mothers make on a daily basis will be key to their family’s health now and in the future. It is therefore important for Filipinos to choose the right food and beverages that contain the essential nutrients to fight malnutrition and other public health concerns – be it COVID-19, iron-deficiency anemia, or the lack of enough Vitamin A, iodine or Zinc in our daily food intake.
Healthy choices from different sources
Over the past two years, the pandemic put a spotlight on boosting the body’s immunity and strength to ward off diseases. Vitamin C, which can be found in many fruits and vegetables, and Zinc, from meat, fish and seafoods, beans, whole grains and nuts, both help in this aspect. These nutrients, which are also found in BEAR BRAND Fortified products, together with Iron, can help in building the body’s ‘tibay ng resistenya’ against sickness. BEAR BRAND also has Vitamin D, calcium and protein – an important combination to achieve 'tibay ng katawan,' especially among children who are expected to return to face-to-face classes this coming school year.
Another essential nutrient is Vitamin A for bone growth, reproduction, cell division, and immunity. Eggs, dairy products, green leafy, yellow and orange vegetables are good sources of Vitamin A. Mothers can rest assured that their children get the right amount of Vitamin A from a glass of NIDO 3+, in addition to other nutrients, DHA, Prebio3 fiber plus Lactobacillus Protectus to support their growth and development.
Iron is a nutrient that Filipinos should also prioritize in their diets. Anemia remains as a public health issue on a national level. Mothers can address this by including meats, seafoods, beans and leafy greens in the family’s daily meals. It will also help to serve family members beverages like MILO, BEAR BRAND Fortified, and CHUCKIE to help boost their iron intake.
The nutrients the body needs come from different sources. As a health and wellness company, Nestlé Philippines continues to innovate and launch new nutritious food offerings that can help mothers ensure that their families are getting the right nutrition. Among them are HARVEST GOURMET and NESTEA Cleanse.
Protein is a significant part of a healthy diet that promotes body growth and repair. But for those who are looking for a good source of protein but are trying to reduce their meat intake, Nestlé Philippines has introduced HARVEST GOURMET, a plant-based alternative that is delicious, nutritious, and sustainable.
A balanced diet must contain high-fiber foods for good digestion, too. This can come from various sources like brown rice and whole grains to fruits and vegetables. Now, 4.5 grams of fiber can easily be consumed with just a glass of NESTEA Cleanse, which is made with natural green tea, lemon, and cucumber extracts.
True to its promise as a Kasambuhay, Nestlé Philippines is here to help mothers make informed choices in achieving proper nutrition for the whole family. It’s a matter of finding a balance – not going over or under – when it comes to the food one eats to lead and live a healthy lifestyle.
